Today’s reading: Exod 14:1–15:27, John 3:1–21, Song 2:4–7

Today’s theme: The Gospel summarised

Today’s reading includes one of the most famous verses in the Bible, John 3:16. The passage this verse belongs to is one of the best summaries of the gospel found in the New Testament.

Exodus 14:1–15:27

Stand firm

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. Exodus 14:13 (ESV)

We know that God fights our battles. All we need to do is stand firm on our faith like we are encouraged to in Ephesians 6.

There is no one like the Lord

“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? Exodus 15:11 (ESV)

Hallelujah, there is no one like the Lord!

John 3:1–21

The Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV)

We cannot control or manipulate the saving work of the Holy Spirit which brings regeneration in the heart causing us to be born again.

Jesus, lifted up on the cross

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14–15 (ESV)

This is talking about being lifted up on the cross, not lifted up in praise.

The Gospel, summarised

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

This verse down to verse 21 is a great summary of the gospel message.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 3

The Gospel Coalition on John 3

Today’s reading: Exod 11:1–13:22, John 2:13–25, Song 2:1–3

Today’s theme: The blood of Jesus

Today we see the blood of the Passover and rejoice that it points forward to the blood Jesus shed for His people to save us and reconcile us to God.

Exodus 11:1–13:22

God’s elect people

But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’ (Exodus 11:7, ESV)

God makes clear distinctions between his elect and the rest of the world.

Saved by the blood

The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:13, ESV)

This points forward to the blood of Jesus which, when applied to our lives as disciples, causes God’s anger and judgement for sin to pass over us.

John 2:13–25

The one story

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (John 2:13, ESV)

Amazing how well linked this Bible reading plan is. We read all about the Passover today in the Old Testament passage and now this is how the New Testament passage opens. The Bible contains one overarching story and message. Central to this is Jesus as the fulfilment of the Passover lamb to bring reconciliation to God and the hope of salvation to man.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

 The Gospel Coalition on Exodus 12

Today’s reading: Exod 9:1–10:29, John 2:1–12, Song 1:15–17

Today’s theme: King over every ruler

The miracles God performs through us, His people should always point back to Him and ignite the flame of faith in Him to those who see His miracle working power.

Exodus 9:1–10:29

God’s fame

But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (ESV)

God showing his Sovereign rule and authority, He even uses evil rulers to accomplish His purposes and spread His fame.

John 2:1–12

The purpose of miracles

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. John 2:11 (ESV)

Miracles should always point to faith in Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Obedient Son, Ultimate Purifier, All-Providing Bridegroom

 

Today’s Reading: Exod 7:1–8:32, John 1:35–51, Song 1:8–14

Today’s theme: Jesus, King of Israel

We see the awesome power of God at work in Egypt today which should leave us standing in awe. We agree with the great confession of Nathaniel that Jesus is the promised Messiah King and the Son of God.

Exodus 7:1–8:32

God’s power is greater

For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Exodus 7:12 (ESV)

God’s power swallows up the enemy’s power.

The plauges

Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:19 (ESV)

As the plagues escalate, even the magicians know this is the work of God. Each of the ten plagues judged one of the false gods of Egypt. Unlike Ridley Scott’s recent film which asserts a naturalistic reason for most of the plagues, we know it was the supernatural work of God.

John 1:35–51

Jesus grew up in a rough neighbourhood

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:46 (ESV)

This shows that Jesus did not grow up in some prestigious area, but was from the side of town where people say… Oh you live there (like Brixton).

The King of Israel

Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:49 (ESV)

This great affirmation that Jesus did not deny, proving quite clearly that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the rightful King and above all the Son of God making him equal to God. Jesus received these titles and worship. Jesus is the Son of God!

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Ligonier devotions from John 1

Today’s reading: Exod 4:1–6:30, John 1:19–34, Song 1:5–7

Today’s theme: Jesus takes sin away

Our reading today helps us to know God more, revealing His attributes, personality and intentions seen most clearly in Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin so we can dwell with God.

Exodus 4:1–6:30

Sovereign over ability

Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:11–12, ESV)

God is sovereign over abilities and disabilities in all men. The devil does not afflict people with disability, God is the one who controls this,  so we look to Him.

God has made us and knows us, He knows the gifts and abilities He has given us. However, we still need His help every step of the way which is why it was right for Moses to appeal for help in the traditional way. He does this with His ritual protest and over stated humility.

Be courageous, say yes

But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13, ESV)

Moses, probably gripped by fear, is point blank refusing to heed the Lord’s call here, a bit like Jonah. We need to train our hearts to be courageous and say yes to the Lord.

God’s personal name

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. (Exodus 6:3, ESV)

God making himself known by his unique personal name YHWH signifies God opening Himself up to true communication, availability and accessibility to Israel with whom He makes covenant based on this name (God’s names and titles reveal to us who He is).

This name which is explained at the burning bush (I am who I am) is a name that can only be known through experience and walking with God in faith. This is what the Lord invites Moses and the children of Israel to do.

John 1:19–34

The Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29, ESV)

This is what Jesus does, He takes away our sin.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

My Name Is God Almighty

Today’s reading: Exod 1:1–3:22, John 1:1–18, Song 1:1–4

Today’s reading: God’s Self Disclosure

Today we see two of the greatest passages in the entire Bible concerning God’s self disclosure or revelation of who He is to man. First we see God reveal Himself as the I AM, the self existent, present and eternal God and then we see God’s ultimate self disclosure in Christ as The Word who became flesh.

God desires that we come into relationship with Him and so expresses to us His person, ways and heart through his names and ultimately through Jesus. As we read the Bible we should be getting to know God more and growing in our relationship with Him.

Exodus 1:1–3:22

Sin is a taskmaster

Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. Exodus 1:11

This is a picture of the bondage the devil inflicts on people through sin.

God’s champions

Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, Exodus 1:15

Praise God that these women feared the Lord, they are like heroes of the people of God.

This is powerful from the JPS(1)

Shiphrah: The Semitic stem means “to be beautiful.” The name appears in a list of slaves attached to an Egyptian estate and is indicated as being Asiatic.

Puah: The daughter of the hero Danel in Ugaritic literature bears this name. Apparently it was originally a term for a fragrant blossom and came to connote “a girl.”

The names of the midwives are recorded but not those of the reigning Pharaohs. In the biblical scale of values these lowly champions of morality assume far greater historic importance than do the all-powerful tyrants who ruled Egypt.

God’s family

And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. Exodus 1:21

In these days in Egypt midwives generally were barren or had no children, so God lovingly and miraculously blessed these women with families of their own. They took care of God’s family so He blessed and took care of theirs.

God in the small details

When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Exodus 2:6

Look at this minor detail orchestrated by God, by the Lord having the baby cry, Pharaoh’s daughter took pity on the child… this is the providence of God

Moses points to Jesus

He answered, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid, and thought, “Surely the thing is known.” Exodus 2:14

This is a foreshadow of how Jesus was treated at his first coming.

God’s revelation of Himself

And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:6

God’s first order of business after attracting Moses’ attention and calling him is self identification and revelation.

From bondage to freedom

and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Exodus 3:8

God’s purpose was to redeem Israel, to save them from the land of bondage and bring them to a broad (free) and abundant land. This is God’s desire for us too.

I AM

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:14

This is a re-revelation of the name known by the patriarch’s but lost to the current generation. The name carries the meaning of causing to be and being. The following is helpful from D K Stuart (2006):

The name should thus be understood as referring to Yahweh’s being the creator and sustainer of all that exists and thus the Lord of both creation and history, all that is and all that is happening—a God active and present in historical affairs.

God’s plan

And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ Exodus 3:18

God did not intend Moses to go it alone.

John 1:1–18

The Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

The beautiful opening to the 4th gospel was likely based on a hymn of confession sung by the early church, Jesus is the subject here, He is the Word.

God’s ‘Word’ in the Old Testament is His powerful self-expression in creation, revelation and salvation. Jesus is God’s ultimate self disclosure.

John boldly declares here that Jesus is God, but not in a Modalist(2) sense as the Word is with God and is so distinct from the Father and yet is God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 1

Appendix

1: Sarna, N. M. (1991). Exodus (p. 7). Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society.

2: Modalism. In the early Church a form of unorthodox teaching on the Trinity which denied the permanence of the three Persons and maintained that the distinctions in the Godhead were only transitory. Among its leading exponents was Sabellius. It is seen today in the false teaching that there is no Trinity in God but that it is one God who transforms himself into different forms, first as Father, then as Son and finally as Spirit

Taken in part from Cross, F. L., & Livingstone, E. A. (Eds.). (2005). In The Oxford dictionary of the Christian Church (3rd ed. rev., p. 1104). Oxford;  New York: Oxford University Press.

Today’s reading: Gen 49:1–50:26, Heb 12:1–13:25, Eccles 12:9–14

Today’s theme: Lay aside the weight

We are called to lay aside the burdensome weight of sin and the unnecessary things which may not be sin, but slow and weigh us down, so that we can freely run the race set before us. Jesus, the promised Messiah from the tribe of Judah, has called us to peace and holiness, so let us run with that in mind.

Genesis 49:1–50:26

Judah, the line of Messiah

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his … Genesis 49:8–12 (ESV)

Here is a great Davidic and Messianic prophecy and clear evidence of God’s election in spite of Judah’s mistakes. We cannot ignore that Judah put his life on the line for Benjamin.

Hebrews 12:1–13:25

Lay aside the weight

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

These are different for everyone, Lord help each of us to identify these so that we can lay them aside. We do not want to run the race weighed down with shortcomings.

Work for peace

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)

Strive and work hard for peace and holiness.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Prayer points from Pastor Dennis on Hebrews 12

Desiring God on Hebrews 12

Today’s reading: Gen 47:1–48:22, Heb 11:1–40, Eccles 12:1–8

Today’s theme: Faith in the Creator

Today we read the famous chapter on faith. One of the most important exaltations that we find in this passage, is the call for us to believe that God is truly God and that He created the world. In our current day, the person and existence of God is under attack and no area has received more focused, strategic, concentrated attack, as the truth that God created the earth in 6 days, resting on the 7th day, just over six thousand years ago.

We must affirm and defend this truth and as Ecclesiastes tell us, we should affirm this in and to our youth, that God is the Creator of the universe, the one in whom we put our faith and trust.

Genesis 47:1–48:22

Your story while walking with God

And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Genesis 48:15–16 (ESV)

Israel (Jacob) had a testimony about who God was, based on his own walk with the Lord and that of his ancestors. Reflect on your own testimony today.

The freedom of God

But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 48:19 (ESV)

God’s freedom and purpose in choosing who He wills.

Hebrews 11:1–40

Faith, a working definition

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

This is the working definition of biblical faith.

Faith in God as Creator

By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)

This statement actually stands up to scientific scrutiny, it also makes clear that being a six day creationist is a matter of faith in God, because we were not there.

Affirm in your heart that God is God

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

One of the core principles of Christianity is that we must believe God exists, this seems obvious but in our atheistic and relativistic culture, this core must be affirmed in the hearts and minds of believers…Lest we enter into idolatry or apathy. Having faith in God and actively using that faith, brings God pleasure and makes our joy full.

The city of heaven

For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10 (ESV)

It is wonderful that we can look forward to a very tangible heaven.

Live as pilgrims

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16 (ESV)

May our faith make us like pilgrims, giving us a strong desire for our own country in heaven, let us make all our investments and set our affection there.

Ecclesiastes 12:1–8

Serve God in your youth

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV)

It is so important to reach young people with the good news and to serve God while young.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Answers in Genesis on the book of Genesis ( a great 5 minute video as well as additional related content)

WWMF Youth Conference 2014

Today’s reading: Gen 45:1–46:34, Heb 10:1–39, Eccles 11:5–10

Today’s theme: Permanent atonement

Today we learn about the better and definite atonement we have in Christ. The atonement provided by bulls and goats served only as a temporary covering. However the atonement of Christ is eternal, a complete and finished work that cannot be added to or taken away from.

What Christ has accomplished for us is sure, steadfast and rooted in His own immutability and faithfulness. We can have confidence in the eternal security that the atonement of Christ provides for all His elect who put their trust in Him.

Genesis 45:1–46:34

God is in control

So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 45:8 (ESV)

Joseph knew that God was really in control. God is sovereign.

God’s promise to Jacob

Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” Genesis 46:3–4 (ESV)

God makes a powerful, yet very personal, promise to Jacob and tells him that he has nothing to fear. God brought all of this to pass.

Hebrews 10:1–39

Temporary atonement

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:4 (ESV)

It was impossible for animal sacrifices to take away sin, they provided only temporary atonement and served as a reminder of our great need.

Permanent atonement

But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. Hebrews 10:12–13 (ESV)

The atonement of Christ is a finished work, eternal in its effect and universal in its reach, although limited in its application to the elect who put their trust in Him.

Confidence in Christ

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)

Our perseverance and sanctification find their root in Jesus’ person and work. The sureness, confidence and assurance we are guaranteed is in, through and by Him.

The importance of attending church

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

Church and fellowship is so important for each of us.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on Hebrews 10

Ligonier Devotions from Hebrews 10

Today’s reading: Gen 44:1–34, Heb 8:1–9:28, Eccles 11:1–4

Today’s theme: A better covenant

Today we continue to learn the key message of Hebrews, that Jesus is better. We focus on the better covenant enacted on better promises, we see that the tabernacle of the old covenant was a shadow pointing forward to Christ. This new reformed covenant is built upon the shed blood of Christ which purifies our conscience before God, so that we can serve Him and walk in the forgiveness, the once for all time sacrifice, has purchased for us.

Genesis 44:1–34

Judah, the line of Jesus

Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. Genesis 44:33 (ESV)

Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself on behalf of his brother and for the love of his father, points forward to Jesus, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah”

Hebrews 8:1–9:28

The Tabernacle points to Jesus

They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5 (ESV)

This is true of much of the Old Testament, especially around the Tabernacle and Temple (see the additional resource section).

A better covenant

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6 (ESV)

We thank God for the new, better covenant. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant and it is better because it is founded on the wonderful promises of grace (salvation, security, sanctification etc).

The reformed covenant

but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. Hebrews 9:10 (ESV)

Jesus was the first great reformer, the New Testament is in a sense, a reformed old covenant.

Once for all

he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12 (ESV)

Hallelujah, here is the great evidence of God’s love for us and the eternal security we have in the atonement of Jesus Christ, through His blood.

The blood of Jesus purifies the conscience

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:14 (ESV)

An important part of the Gospel message; Jesus purifies our conscience so that we are no longer under self condemnation and we can discern more clearly, the Father’s will.

Jesus, the mediator

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:15 (ESV)

Jesus is the great mediator of the new covenant, bringing agreement and reconciliation between God and man, with Himself as the guarantee of the eternal promises.

Jesus shed blood

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 (ESV)

This is why Jesus died for us and shed His precious blood – to forgive us of our sins.

Jesus, offered once

Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, Hebrews 9:25 (ESV)

This is where Roman Catholics get it wrong, they teach that at every Eucharist, Jesus is offered all over again.

Ecclesiastes 11:1–4

Don’t be paralysed by fear

He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (ESV)

We must not be paralysed by the fear of “what if”, or become impotent while waiting for the “perfect time”, we must launch out in faith.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

If you are interested in studying the way the tabernacle points to Jesus in more detail there is a book called Christ and the Desert Tabernacle (this is not free) available via Logos or Amazon

Desiring God on Hebrews 8 and Hebrews 9